Truck loads of cattle have started arriving for one of the largest cattle fairs in the State which began near Anthiyur on Wednesday. The five-day fair is held annually as a part of the famous car festival of Arulmighu Sri Gurunatha Swamy Temple.

Livestock from different parts of the State and Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have been brought to the market for trading this year. One can find several breeds of goats, cows and bulls at the market.

“Over 5,000 bulls have been brought to the market this year. The price range starts from Rs. 25,000 (for a pair of bull) to Rs. 1.5 lakh. The strong and active Kangayam bulls with their compact bodies are the common breed spotted most in the market,” Gugan, a farmer, said.

Farmers have also brought goats and other livestock in large numbers to the market.

The special attraction of the market is the horses. Over 1000 horses have been brought for sale this year. “The market attracts buyers from various states. As a result, we get competitive prices for our horses,” K. Palanisamy, who brought two of his horses to sell in the market, said.

The price of horses starts from Rs. 10,000. “Some of the breeds are even sold for Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh in the market, farmers said.

However, the market, which witnesses transactions worth several lakhs of rupees every year, is yet to attract the attention of the government. “No basic amenities are provided to those who arrive here to buy and sell the cattle,” farmers complained.

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